Splatter shield for toilet

ABSTRACT

A splatter shield device for toilets, which is designed to solve the problem of waste splatter and/or overspray by containing and/or channeling waste back into the toilet bowl itself. The device generally comprises a semi-rigid frame defining an inner collection area and a flexible sheeting at least partially covering the inner collection area. The frame margins may comprise folds that are configured to impart a number of advantages, such as ease of installation, improved collection and/or channeling performance, and aesthetic discreetness. The device may also be made of biodegradable and/or flushable materials, greatly simplifying use and cleaning.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 17/193,156, which is pending and entitled SPLATTERSHIELD FOR TOILET, filed Mar. 5, 2021, incorporated by reference in itsentirety herein. U.S. patent Ser. No. 17/193,156 claims the prioritybenefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/986,268,filed Mar. 6, 2020, entitled SPLATTER SHIELD FOR TOILET, incorporated byreference in its entirety herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a urine collection and/or channelingdevice (a splatter shield device) for use with a toilet that addressesthe problem of waste splatter and/or overspray.

Description of Related Art

In many households, toilets are difficult to clean and to keep cleanparticularly due to the male urination technique. When males stand tourinate, splatter and sometimes spray causes urine to collect and dry inthe small cervices of the toilet seat hinges, on the underside of theseat, or on the flat surface of the bowl, and/or to run down the sidesof the toilet onto the sides of the toilet bowl and floor. These areasare both difficult and unpleasant to clean, and if urine remains inthese areas, permanent damage and stains can remain. The odor can beoverpowering and very undesirable, and the presence of waste splattercan allow bacteria to grow.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,348,776 discloses a collapsible splash shield for atoilet. The splash shield is designed to contain splatter, preventingurine from reaching the toilet hinges. However, the design is difficultto clean and install. Its many moving and collapsible parts make it moredifficult to clean than the toilet hinges themselves. Additionally, theinterior of the toilet bowl itself cannot be properly cleaned withoutremoving the device. Thus, this design is prone to collect and gatherurine and/or other waste splatter and grow bacteria.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,912,784 discloses a toilet bowl splash guard. The splashguard is designed to sit on the top of the toilet rim, rather thandescending down beyond the rim of the bowl. This can leave splatter andwaste to collect under the installed structure, leading to unpleasantodors, bacteria, and continued difficultly in cleaning.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,983,410 discloses a toilet backsplash and oversprayshield. The shield is designed to keep urine and/or splatter fromreaching the back portion of the toilet, including the hinges. However,the shield would not prevent leakage out the side when folded with thetoilet seat. Additionally, the shield does not allow the user to cleanthe toilet bowl with the device in place. Moreover, the shield requiresa “J hook” to secure the device into the toilet. Given that the shieldis not disposable, this would be unpleasant to clean.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,385,785 discloses a urine shield for removableattachment to a toilet seat. The shield is designed to keep urine fromthe back of the toilet seat, but the shield would have to be removedand/or installed every time the seat was raised or lowered. The shieldwould need to be cleaned on a regular basis and contains small piecesthat may be difficult to clean. Additionally, the shield may, in fact,produce more splatter than it contains, as it is made from a rigidmaterial. Moreover, the shield is not discreet.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,519,786 discloses a toilet splash shield system. Thesystem is designed to contain waste that is already in the toilet usinga liquid barrier to keep urine and/or other waste in the toilet whileflushing. However, the system would only create more splatter ifoperated when urinating.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,874,171 discloses an overspray shield for a toilet. Theshield is designed to block splatter and/or urine from reaching outsidethe bowl but has several downfalls. For example, the shield relies onsemi-permanent or permanent structures to be mounted to the toilet.These structures will collect splatter and need to be cleaned. Thesestructures are also not discreet and can be seen when the toilet seat isboth up and down. These structures may even be felt by a user of thetoilet when sitting on the seat. The design allows tension to be presentwhen the toilet seat is raised, but it does not have structure that willchannel any residual fluid back into the bowl when lowering the seat,and thus waste may spill out the side. Lastly, the toilet bowl cannot becleaned properly when the device is in place.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,809,964 discloses a urine shield for a toilet. Theshield is designed to block splatter and/or urine from reaching outsidethe bowl, but it has a number of downfalls. For example, the unit is notdisposable and is a permanent (or semi-permanent) structure.Additionally, while the self-cleaning housing sits within the toilet, itwill need to be cleaned on a regular basis. Moreover, the attachmentstructures are not discreet and can be seen when the toilet seat isdown.

U.S. Design Pat. No. D540,449 discloses a toilet seat urine shield. Theshield may be designed for eliminating and/or reducing urine andsplatter from exiting the toilet from the front of the bowl when theseat is down. However, this unit would have to be dry in order toprevent spreading the urine to the back of the toilet when the lid wasraised. Additionally, the device is not designed to eliminate splatterand/or overspray during urination.

United States Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0320199 disclosesa containment apparatus for toilets. The apparatus is designed forcontaining splatter and/or spray when flushing a toilet using a liquidbarrier. However, this apparatus would only create more splatter ifoperated when urinating.

United States Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0000027 disclosesa removable, reusable, and flexible urine deflector. The deflector isdesigned to block splatter from reaching the underside of the toiletseat hinges. However, when the deflector folds, for example whenlowering the toilet seat, there is no structure or control to the fold,and any collected splatter would leak out the side of the unit andpotentially onto the toilet rim and/or the back of the toilet bowl. Thedeflector is reusable, so it would also need to be cleaned regularly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is broadly concerned with a urine collectionand/or channeling device (a splatter shield device) that overcomes theproblems of the previous designs. Specifically, embodiments of thesplatter shield device, as described herein, overcome the problem ofwaste splatter and/or overspray by containing and/or channeling wasteback into the toilet bowl itself.

In one embodiment, there is provided a urine collection and/orchanneling device for installation on a toilet that comprises a toiletbowl and a toilet seat. The device comprises a semi-rigid frame definingan inner collection area and a flexible sheeting at least partiallycovering the inner collection area. The frame comprises an upper marginconfigured to be removably secured to the toilet seat, a lower marginconfigured to be removably secured to the toilet bowl, and a pair ofopposing side margins.

In another embodiment, there is provided a toilet comprising the urinecollection and/or channeling device installed thereon.

In another embodiment, there is provided a method of collecting and/orchanneling urine overspray and/or splatter. The method comprisesinstalling the urine collection and/or channeling device on a toilet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a splatter shield device installed on atoilet, with the toilet seat up, in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of a splatter shield device in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of a splatter shield device in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a front view of a frame for a splatter shield device inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a splatter shield device installed on atoilet, with the toilet seat partially open, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a splatter shield device installed on atoilet, with the toilet seat and lid down, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a front view of a splatter shield device comprising anabsorbent padding material in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 8 is a front view of a splatter shield device comprising multiplelayers of flexible sheeting in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 9 is a slice-view of the splatter shield device of FIG. 2 takenacross line 9-9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to a urinecollection and/or channeling device (a splatter shield device) forinstallation on bowl-style toilets. The splatter shield device generallycomprises a unitary structure, and preferably a collapsible structure,which may have multiple removeable or interchangeable components, asdescribed herein. The splatter shield device is configured to reducesplatter, contain overspray, and/or channel waste into the toilet bowl,all while keeping surfaces of the toilet bowl, surrounding floor, andhinges on the toilet seat or lid clean and dry.

Referring now to FIG. 1 , splatter shield device 8 may be installed ontotoilet 2 such that device 8 resides between the underside 7 of toiletseat 6 and the top and/or sides of toilet bowl 4. Specifically, device 8may be secured to the underside 7 of a toilet seat 6, above the hinges,and to back rim 5 of toilet bowl 4. In one or more embodiments, device 8can accommodate a variety of toilet seat styles and a variety of toiletbowl styles.

FIG. 2 shows splatter shield device 8 from the front side (i.e., fromthe side that faces toward the toilet bowl and user upon installation).FIG. 3 shows splatter shield device 8 from the back side (i.e., from theside that faces, and is secured to the toilet, upon installation). Asshown, splatter shield device 8 generally comprises a frame 10, themargins of which define a collection area 12 within the boundaries offrame 10 (See FIG. 4 ), and flexible sheeting 20 at least partiallycovering collection area 12. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , in certainpreferred embodiments, sheeting 20 spans across, and entirely covers,collection area 12. In certain preferred embodiments, sheeting 20 atleast partially, or entirely (as shown), covers the front surface offrame 10.

Frame 10 is generally configured to create and/or maintain tension onflexible sheeting 20, and to hold a firm shape to the outer edge of theshield device 8, thus channeling waste back into the toilet bowl and/orpreventing waste from spilling out the sides onto the toilet. Frame 10generally has a semi-rigid structure and comprises upper margin 14,lower margin 16, and a pair of opposing side margins 18. As shown inFIG. 1 , lower margin 16 is configured to be removably secured to rim 5of toilet bowl 4, while upper margin 14 is configured to be removablysecured to underside 7 of toilet seat 6. Frame 10 is constructed so asto contour to the shape of the toilet bowl 4 and/or underside 7 oftoilet seat 6. The contoured shape of frame 10 advantageously allows formore coverage while still maintaining the discreet character of device8, as discussed in greater detail below.

Frame 10 generally comprises a solid yet flexible material. In certainembodiments, frame 10 comprises a material selected from the groupconsisting of plastics, bioplastics, papers, cardboards, wood,composites, metals, and mixtures thereof. In certain embodiments, frame10 comprises poster board or paper material, which is moreenvironmentally-friendly than other materials. Frame 10 is configured tobe flexible enough to curve to the shape of the rim 5 of toilet bowl 4and underside 7 of toilet seat 6, yet maintain a rigid enough structureto maintain consistent movement and/or shape of splatter shield device8, as well as to channel overspray back into the toilet.

In certain embodiments, lower margin 16 of frame 10 comprises a pair ofopposing lower corner segments 60 and center segment 62. In certainembodiments, center segment 62 may be configured to at least partiallyextend over the edge of rim 5 of bowl 4. In certain same or otherembodiments, center segment 62 may be configured to at least partiallyextend into, and/or be secured to the back surface of, rim 5. Suchconfigurations advantageously improve the channeling of collectedoverspray and/or splatter into the bowl with minimal residual collectionabove the rim.

In certain embodiments, lower margin 16 comprises a pair of notches orrecesses 50 formed therein positioned between and at least partiallyseparating corner segments 60 from center segment 62. Advantageously,recesses 50 are configured to provide flexibility to lower margin 16 offrame 10 for installation on a variety of toilet bowl (and rim) shapes,including round, elongated, and/or other shapes of various dimensions.Thus, recesses 50 allow device 8 to contour to any number of bowlsseamlessly. As best shown in FIG. 3 , recesses 50 may have a wedgeshape, with the angle (0) between center segment 62 and corner segments60 being about 10° to about 75°, about 20° to about 60°, or about 30° toabout 45°. In certain embodiments, sheeting 20 at least partially, orentirely, covers one or both of recesses 50, as shown.

In certain embodiments, lower margin 16 further comprises tabs 64extending from corner segments 60. Tabs 64 are configured to extendinto, and be secured to, rim 5 of toilet bowl 4. In certain embodiments,tabs 64 further comprise folds 30 a that allow tabs 64 to be easilypositioned and installed on rim 5. As used herein, the term “folds”refers to pre-creased bends in frame 10, for example as illustrated inthe figures, as well as hinges or other flexible or rotatable joints(i.e., comprising the permanent or semi-permanent joinder of separateframe segments). As illustrated, when device 8 is installed, folds 30 aare configured such that tabs 64 will generally have a different planethan corner segments 60. That is, tabs 64 extend into rim 5 of bowl 4,while the rest of corner segments 60 reside above rim 5.

In certain embodiments, each of side margins 18 comprises a plurality offolds 30 b, 30 c, 30 d formed therein. As with folds 30 a, describedabove, folds 30 b, 30 c, 30 d of side margins 18 may be pre-creasedbends, hinges, and/or other flexible or rotatable joints. Regardless theconstruction, folds 30 b, 30 c, 30 d should be capable of predictablyand consistently bending, flexing, or rotating side margins 18 duringopening and collapsing of device 8 when raising and lowering toilet seat6. As best shown in FIG. 5 , folds 30 b, 30 c, 30 d are generallyconstructed so as to impart a zig-zag (accordion) shape to side margins18 while device 8 is being collapsed or opened when toilet seat 6 islowered or raised. In certain embodiments, each side margin 18 comprisestwo or more inward folds 30 b, 30 c (i.e., the edge of the fold pointstoward the back of the toilet or toilet seat when the toilet seat isclosed and device 8 is collapsed). In certain embodiments, each sidemargin 18 comprises one or more outward folds 30 d (i.e., the edge ofthe fold points toward the front of the toilet or toilet bowl when thetoilet seat is closed and device 8 is collapsed). As shown, in certainembodiments, folds 30 b, 30 c, 30 d may be non-parallel to one or moreof the other folds 30 b, 30 c, 30 d, which can advantageously allow fordevice 8 to remain discreet when toilet seat 6 is in the loweredposition (see FIG. 6 ). For example, in certain embodiments, when saidtoilet seat 6 and/or toilet lid 9 are in the lowered position, thedevice 8 is not visible to a user when viewed from above.

Flexible sheeting 20 is generally configured to collect urine splatterand/or overspray in collection area 12 and channel the splatter and/oroverspray into toilet bowl 4. Moreover, in certain embodiments, theflexible structure of sheeting 20 can reduce the impact of the splatterand/or overspray stream. That is, flexible sheeting 20 provideselasticity and/or absorbency of the stream pressure of the urine orother liquid, thus reducing or eliminating further areas of splatterimpact.

Flexible sheeting 20 can be secured to frame 10 in a variety ofconfigurations. As shown in FIG. 2 , in certain embodiments, sheeting 20is adhered or otherwise affixed to the front face of frame 10 and maypartially or completely cover frame 10 to provide a flexible yetimpervious surface operable to contain, channel, and/or or absorb fluidwaste. Flexible sheeting 20 may be affixed to frame 10 in other ways,which may employ folds, flaps, draping, overlapping, and combinationsthereof, so long as the sheeting 20 at least partially, or completelycovers the collection area 12 within frame 10.

Flexible sheeting 20 generally comprises a pliable material, which maybe selected so as to provide a smooth and/or elastic surface to absorbthe impact of an overspray stream, thereby reducing splatter. Flexiblesheeting 20 may comprise a variety of impervious and/or absorbentmaterials. In certain embodiments, flexible sheeting 20 comprisespaper-based, plastic (e.g., polyethylene), and/or bioplastic materials,although other flexible materials may be used. A paraffin coating orother impervious coating may be applied to the surface of flexiblesheeting 20, which may provide improved collection and channelingperformance.

As noted above, frame 10 generally comprises semi-rigid material(s),while flexible sheeting 20 generally comprises pliable material(s).Thus, in certain embodiments, frame 10 comprises a different materialthan sheeting 20. The different materials may include different speciesof the same category of material (i.e., different plastics, differentbioplastics, different paper-based materials, etc.) In certain same orother embodiments, the thickness and/or density of frame 10 is greaterthan the thickness and/or density of flexible sheeting 20. In certainembodiments, frame 10 has a thickness that is at least about 2 timesgreater, at least about 5 times greater, or at least about 10 timesgreater than the thickness of flexible sheeting 20. In certainembodiments, frame 10 has a thickness that is about 2 times greater toabout 100 times greater, about 5 times greater to about 50 timesgreater, or about 10 times greater to about 25 times greater than thethickness of flexible sheeting 20. In certain embodiments, frame 10comprises a material different than the material of flexible sheeting20.

In certain same or other embodiments, flexible sheeting 20 may comprisea layer of padding or absorbent material. The padding or absorbent layer40 may be added, for example, to the front surface of an imperviousflexible sheeting 20, or the padding or absorbent layer may be theflexible sheeting (i.e., instead of an impervious sheeting material) andsecured to the front surface of frame 10, as shown in FIG. 7 .Regardless, the padding or absorbent layer is advantageously configuredto absorb the shock of overspray, thereby reducing splatter, and/or tocapture splatter and prevent or reduce drippage when removing thesplatter shield device from the toilet. In certain embodiments, thepadding layer is non-absorbent, allowing the user to dispose of thepad-shield to reduce the need to clean and/or sanitize the apparatusand/or protected areas. In certain other embodiments, the padding layeris absorbent, allowing liquids to be collected and thereby discarded. Incertain embodiments, the padding layer comprises both absorbent andnon-absorbent sections, or may be more or less absorbent to addresshigher volumes of contaminates that contact the device. The padding orabsorbent layer may comprise multiple sheets or layers, thus allowingthe user to remove just one pad at a time. The absorbent layer may beattached to the frame or underlying flexible sheeting by a variety ofmechanisms, including but not limited to, adhesives, hook-and-loop(e.g., Velcro device), friction between the texture of the padding andthe adjacent fixture, clip, and/or lip, or a combination of mechanisms.

In certain same or other embodiments, the flexible sheeting and/orpadding layer(s) may comprise multiple sheets, which can be stacked orlayered so as to allow for the end user to dispose of a single layer ofsheeting or padding before removing the entire device. For example, asshown in FIG. 8 , in certain such embodiments, the splatter shielddevice may comprise two or more layers 21 of flexible sheeting affixedto frame 10 or base sheeting 20, allowing the user to remove a layer andonly dispose of one sheet at a time until all sheets had been used. Theuser would then be able to replace or refill the device with a new stackof layered flexible sheeting and/or padding. In certain embodiments, thestack of layered flexible sheeting and/or padding may comprise tabs 22,which are configured to allow the user to easily remove and replace atleast one layer of sheeting and/or padding, or the entire stack. Asshown in FIG. 8 , tabs 22 of the layers 21 can be positioned adjacentupper margin 14 in a staggered arrangement (similar to file folders) soas to ease the removal of an individual layer 21. Tabs 22 are generallypositioned on the outer edges toward one or both of side margins 18.Tabs 22 are generally not present in the middle of sheet layers 21adjacent upper margin 14, as such tabs would be visible when toilet seat6 is in the lowered position. In certain embodiments, tabs 22 arepositioned on the outer five inches, outer four inches, or outer threeinches of one or both sides of the upper edge of sheet layers 21. Thispositioning of tabs 22 allows the user to remove individual layers 21without touching portions that have been heavily subjected to oversprayand/or splatter. In certain embodiments, the flexible sheeting and/orpadding can be made of flushable and/or biodegradable material(s),thereby allowing the user to simply remove and flush the removable layerof sheeting and/or padding.

The splatter shield device may be installed on a toilet by attaching andsecuring the device in a number of ways. For example, the device may beattached and secured using adhesives, hook and loop (e.g., Velcro),stationary and/or malleable clips, and/or tensioning mechanisms. Incertain embodiments, an adhesive is used, which is preferablywaterproof, durable, and/or removes without leaving residue on wood,porcelain, and/or plastic surfaces. Exemplary adhesives include 300LSEand 410M by 3M. Other adhesives or attachment mechanisms, including butnot limited to buckles, snaps, hoop and loop, clips, tension, magnets,and/or texture, may also be used. Other attachment mechanisms, devices,and/or methods may also be used within the scope of the presentinvention. Regardless the mechanism, in certain embodiments,installation of the splatter shield device 8 generally comprisessecuring at least a portion of the upper margin 14 of frame 10 tounderside 7 of toilet seat 6 and/or securing at least a portion of thelower margin 16 of frame 10 to rim 5 of toilet bowl 4.

Referring again to FIG. 3 , splatter shield device 8 may comprise one ormore adhesive strips 70 affixed to the back side of frame 10 (see alsoFIG. 9 ). Adhesive strips 70 are preferably waterproof, semi-permanent,and/or double-sided (e.g., double-sided adhesive tape). The placement ofadhesive strips 70 (or any attachment mechanism) should be selected toprovide appropriate tension support, particularly on the flexiblesheeting material, and to allow appropriate movement while raising andlowering the toilet seat and during use. As shown in FIG. 3 , one ormore adhesive strips 70 may be positioned across upper margin 14 tosecure upper margin 14 of device 8 to underside 7 of toilet seat 6,and/or one or more adhesive strips 70 may be positioned on tabs 64 ofcorner segments 60 and on central segment 62 to secure lower margin 16of device 8 to rim 5 of toilet bowl 4.

Embodiments of the present invention are also directed to methods ofcollecting and/or channeling urine (i.e., overspray and/or splatter)into a toilet bowl. In use, the splatter shield device is configured toprovide necessary tension on the flexible sheeting material to channelfluid into the toilet bowl, while still maintaining some flexibility orelasticity reduce the impact (and excess splatter) of fluid. Wheninstalled on the toilet bowl rim and underside of the toilet seat, asdescribed herein, the toilet seat may be raised and lowered, therebyexpanding (opening) and collapsing (closing) the splatter shield device.In certain embodiments, due at least in part to the zig-zag and/ornon-parallel construction of the side margin folds, the expansion canoccur across multiple axes or directions, thereby providing maximalcoverage. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the angles andpositioning of the folds are advantageously configured to elevate theside margins of the frame when the toilet seat is down, thus eliminatingany side leakage and channeling any fluid into the toilet bowl.Moreover, when the flexible sheeting material comprises an absorbentmaterial, fluid may also be inhibited or prevented from divertingoutside the toilet bowl when the toilet seat is closed, for example, bytrapping and/or holding the liquid in the absorbent material.

As described herein, the splatter shield device may comprise one or morecomponents that are biodegradable, flushable, or otherwise disposable.Thus, in certain embodiments, the methods further comprise flushing ordisposing of at least a portion of the device. For example, in certainembodiments, when the device comprises multiple layers of flexiblesheeting and/or padding material, a top layer of flexible sheetingand/or padding material may be removed, flushed, and/or otherwisedisposed of, thereby exposing a clean layer of flexible sheeting and/orabsorbent material. In certain same or other embodiments, the entiredevice may be removed, flushed, and/or otherwise disposed of, and a newdevice may be installed on the toilet.

The splatter shield device may be manufactured using any number ofprocesses and materials. In a particular embodiment, the splatter shieldcan be manufactured using a four step process. First, one or more diesare used to cut the inner structure of frame and to score the folds.This process can result in a roughly 14 inch by 7 inch frame structurewith scored folds. Second, an adhesive is applied (e.g., sprayed) ontothe face of the frame, and the flexible sheeting is adhered to the face.Third, one or more dies are used to cut the outer edge of the frame andsheeting, ensuring a smooth edge and finished cut product. Finally,strips of double-sided tape are positioned and adhered to the backsurface of the frame.

In another particular embodiment, the splatter shield may bemanufactured using a mold. For example, a plastic mold can be used tocontour and form the frame border and a thinner, more flexible and/orelastic material as the sheeting covering the collection area. Doublesided tape and/or other adhesive or attachment mechanism can then bepositioned and secured to the back of the frame.

In certain embodiments, the splatter shield device may be constructed tobe disposable and/or biodegradable. For example, in certain embodiments,biodegradable materials may be used for the frame, flexible sheeting,padding, and/or adhesives, and may include biodegradable plastics,paper, and/or coating materials. Additionally, in certain embodiments,the frame, flexible sheeting, padding, and/or adhesives may be made fromrecycled materials. In certain embodiments, the components of thesplatter shield device may comprise both biodegradable andnon-biodegradable components. Advantageously, the use of biodegradablecomponents may permit the splatted shield device to be flushableaccording to various laws and ordinances. In certain embodiments, thesplatter shield device is made entirely of biodegradable components.

In certain embodiments, the splatter shield device can be treated withscent or odor elimination chemicals. In certain embodiments, thesplatter shield device, or any single component, may be treated with achemical to only produce a scent and/or eliminate odors when reacting toa liquid substance. In certain embodiments, the splatter shield devicecan be scented out of the package.

In certain embodiments, the splatter shield device, and particularly theflexible sheeting material may be treated with anti-bacterial cleaningagent. Particularly preferred cleaning agents will activate when wet,thereby neutralizing urine on contact and/or dripping into the toiletbowl, thus eliminating some bacteria between full cleanings and reducingbacteria in the toilet area.

In certain embodiments, the splatter shield can have an image, logo,wording, or other design imposed thereon. For example, when a thinpolyethylene or similar material is used for the flexible sheeting, adesign can be printed thereon using known techniques.

The splatter shield device and methods according to embodiments of thepresent invention have a number of advantages over existing devices,systems, and methods. For example, the splatter shield device comprisesa single, self-contained unit configured to ensure splatter andoverspray are contained within the toilet. The device is also easy toinstall, can be quickly removed and disposed, and leaves behind noresidue. Moreover, the splatter shield device does not alter thetoilet's method of use. Once installed, the unit remains in placewithout needing to be moved or replaced before or after using thetoilet. The toilet bowl can even be cleaned with the device installed.The device may be disposable, requiring no cleaning, but can also beused long term. For example, once installed, the device may be effectivefor weeks or longer, depending on user preference and toilet use. Thedevice does not require the installation or use of permanent orsemi-permanent hardware.

The design of the splatter shield device also imparts a number ofdesirable characteristics that are not recognized or appreciated byprevious designs. For example, the splatter shield is discreet and isvirtually unnoticeable when the toilet seat is down. Additionally, thedevice is flexible enough to be uniquely curved to contour to the shapeof the back of the toilet while providing as much coverage as possiblewhen the seat is upright yet is still discreet when folded. Moreover,the design allows the frame to fold yet maintain a rigid edge andcontain waste, while the flexibility of the sheeting makes folding theunit discreet and reduces splatter due to its flexible, elasticproperties. Thus, the splatter shield device is designed to be used onboth elongated bowls and standard bowls of various geometries and sizes.The recesses in the lower margin of the frame allow for variance duringinstallation. Thus, users with elongated toilets can fit the splattershield more tightly.

Unlike some prior designs, the splatter shield is designed to eliminateleakage from the side and quickly direct and channel overspray andfluids directly into the toilet bowl. Moreover, the splatter shieldrequires no long-term installation and/or hardware, and can, forexample, be used once or repeatedly for years without any hardwaredesigned to be used for the long term. Advantageously, the splattershield can be made biodegradable and/or flushable materials, making thedevice easier for the user.

Additional advantages of the various embodiments of the invention willbe apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the disclosureherein and the working examples below. It will be appreciated that thevarious embodiments described herein are not necessarily mutuallyexclusive unless otherwise indicated herein. For example, a featuredescribed or depicted in one embodiment may also be included in otherembodiments, but is not necessarily included. Thus, the presentinvention encompasses a variety of combinations and/or integrations ofthe specific embodiments described herein.

As used herein, the phrase “and/or,” when used in a list of two or moreitems, means that any one of the listed items can be employed by itselfor any combination of two or more of the listed items can be employed.For example, if a composition is described as containing or excludingcomponents A, B, and/or C, the composition can contain or exclude Aalone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination;B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination.

The present description also uses numerical ranges to quantify certainparameters relating to various embodiments of the invention. It shouldbe understood that when numerical ranges are provided, such ranges areto be construed as providing literal support for claim limitations thatonly recite the lower value of the range as well as claim limitationsthat only recite the upper value of the range. For example, a disclosednumerical range of about 10 to about 100 provides literal support for aclaim reciting “greater than about 10” (with no upper bounds) and aclaim reciting “less than about 100” (with no lower bounds).

I claim:
 1. A urine collection and/or channeling device for installationon a toilet, said toilet comprising a toilet bowl and a toilet seat,said device comprising: a semi-rigid frame defining an inner collectionarea and comprising an upper margin configured to be removably securedto said toilet seat, a lower margin configured to be removably securedto said toilet bowl, and a pair of opposing side margins; and a flexiblesheeting at least partially covering said inner collection area, saidsemi-rigid frame having a thickness and/or density that is greater thanthat of said flexible sheeting and comprising at least one fold formedin each of said opposing side margins.
 2. The device of claim 1, whereineach of said opposing side margins comprises two or more inward foldsand one or more outward folds.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein saidlower margin comprises a pair of corner segments, a central segment, anda pair of recesses each positioned between said pair of corner segmentsand said central segment.
 4. The device of claim 1, further comprisingone or more adhesives positioned on a back surface of said upper marginand configured to removably secure said upper margin to said toiletseat, and one or more adhesives positioned on a back surface of saidlower margin and configured to removably secure said lower margin tosaid toilet bowl.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein said flexiblesheeting comprises two or more removeable layers of an imperviousmaterial and/or two or more removeable layers of an absorbent material.6. The device of claim 5, wherein said flexible sheeting furthercomprises a tab extending therefrom and configured to allow a user toremove at least one layer of said impervious material and/or at leastone layer of said absorbent material.
 7. The device of claim 1, whereinsaid frame comprises a different material than said flexible sheeting.8. A toilet comprising the urine collection and/or channeling device ofclaim 1 installed thereon.
 9. A method of collecting and/or channelingurine overspray and/or splatter, said method comprising installing theurine collection and/or channeling device of claim 1 on a toilet.
 10. Aurine collection and/or channeling device for installation on a toilet,said toilet comprising a toilet bowl and a toilet seat, said devicecomprising: a semi-rigid frame defining an inner collection area andcomprising an upper margin configured to be removably secured to saidtoilet seat, a lower margin configured to be removably secured to saidtoilet bowl, and a pair of opposing side margins; and a flexiblesheeting at least partially covering said inner collection area, thedevice, or a component thereof, being treated with one or more of: (i) ascent; (ii) an odor elimination chemical; and/or (ii) a cleaning agent.11. The device of claim 10, wherein said flexible sheeting is treatedwith one or more of said scent, said odor elimination chemical, and/orsaid cleaning agent.
 12. The device of claim 10, wherein said scent,said odor elimination chemical, and/or said cleaning agent is activatedupon contact with a liquid substance.
 13. The device of claim 10,wherein each of said opposing side margins comprises two or more inwardfolds and one or more outward folds.
 14. The device of claim 10, whereinsaid lower margin comprises a pair of corner segments, a centralsegment, and a pair of recesses each positioned between said pair ofcorner segments and said central segment.
 15. The device of claim 10,further comprising one or more adhesives positioned on a back surface ofsaid upper margin and configured to removably secure said upper marginto said toilet seat, and one or more adhesives positioned on a backsurface of said lower margin and configured to removably secure saidlower margin to said toilet bowl.
 16. The device of claim 10, whereinsaid flexible sheeting comprises two or more removeable layers of animpervious material and/or two or more removeable layers of an absorbentmaterial.
 17. The device of claim 16, wherein said flexible sheetingfurther comprises a tab extending therefrom and configured to allow auser to remove at least one layer of said impervious material and/or atleast one layer of said absorbent material.
 18. The device of claim 10,wherein said frame comprises a different material than said flexiblesheeting.
 19. A toilet comprising the urine collection and/or channelingdevice of claim 10 installed thereon.
 20. A method of collecting and/orchanneling urine overspray and/or splatter, said method comprisinginstalling the urine collection and/or channeling device of claim 10 ona toilet.